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Welcome to a world where you are no less than a king or a queen out to see your kingdom and your subjects. Rated as one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world, the Palace on wheels is an experience of a lifetime that you are not likely to forget when you live the lavish lifestyles of the Indian kings.
The Palace on wheels is a special tourist train reserved for weekly tours of Rajasthan usually from September to April. The train leaves from Delhi, the Indian capital, and makes its way through Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. While most of the sight-seeing is done during the day, the nights are reserved for rest and travel.
The train has 14 air-conditioned coaches each named after the former Rajput states such as Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. The train's original carriages were the ones used by the royal families of Rajasthan. Later, they were replaced with exact replicas of the originals. The result is a showcase of history with all the modern trappings. The décor, food and hospitality exude luxury and opulence. On offer are restuarants, a library, a bar, lounges, carriages with attached luxurious bathrooms, personal attendants and the works. At every stop, guests are given a traditional royal welcome.
Palace on Wheels Tour Itinerary
(8 Days Tour)
Places Covered: New Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra.
DAY 01 - Wednesday - Delhi
Your reporting time at the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station will be 1600 hrs. You embark on your dream journey of lifetime.
After arriving at the Railway Station, you will be given ceremonial welcome on board the Palace On Wheels.
The train departs from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station at 1745 hrs. Enjoy the dinner, which will be served at 1930 hours.
DAY 02 - Thursday - Delhi/Jaipur
Alight from the Palace On Wheels at the Jaipur Railway Station at 02.00 hrs. You will be greeted by caparisoned elephants to the accompaniment of the strains of Shehnai.
You will be taken to Rambagh Palace Hotel in Jaipur. Take lunch at the Rambagh Palace.
Jaipur, the city of fairytale fascination, is awash with attractions, which are silent sentinel of its glory and splendor.
You will embark on the sightseeing tour of Jaipur in an air-conditioned coach. Pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), a masterpiece of architecture, built in the 18th century to enable the household ladies to watch the processions and activities on the streets.
After visiting the Hawa Mahal will be followed by an excursion to Amber Fort, where you can enjoy elephant ride. Indulge in shopping for jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and textiles for which Jaipur is renowned all over the world. Also visit Rajasthali near the Ajmeri Gate. Rajasthali is the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium where you can find genuine handicrafts at fixed prices.
After taking lunch at a Palace Hotel, embark on a city tour involving the City Palace, which houses the residence of the erstwhile royal family.
Near the City Palace is the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II across the country. After visiting the observatory, you will be transported to the railway station at 18.30 hrs. The Palace-On-Wheels leaves Jaipur at 19.30 hrs. You will be served dinner on board.
DAY 03 - Friday - Jaisalmer
The Palace-On-Wheels arrives at the Jaisalmer Railway Station at 08.15 hrs. The Golden City of
Jaisalmer lies in the remote west of Rajasthan in the arid Thar Desert. However this does not deter it from being one of the most charming destinations in India. Your sightseeing excursion of Jaisalmer includes visit to the yellow sandstone fort known as Sonar Kella dominating the city's skyline.
Visit the exquisitely crafted havelis of Jaisalmer such as Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli.
Pay a visit to Rajasthali, Rajasthan Govt. only emporium and try your hands at shopping for fine pattu shawls, mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
Experience a camel safari adventure into the Thar Desert or come for the busy Desert Festival, every January/February,
After taking your lunch on board, experience a camel safari adventure into the sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert of Thar.
Have your dinner and enjoy the cultural programs at a city hotel. The train leaves the Jaisalmer Railway Station at 23.00 hrs and head for Jodhpur. Overnight on board.
DAY 04 - Saturday - Jodhpur
The Palace-On-Wheels arrives at the Jodhpur Railway Station at 07.00 hrs.
The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is encircled by a high wall with seven gates and several bastions. The city is defined by the imposing Meherangarh Fort. Your sightseeing tour of Jodhpur begins with an ascend to this impressive fort. Amble past the wonderful courtyards, palaces and other splendid buildings within the precincts of the fort. View with awe the spectacular sight across the plains from the ramparts of the fort.
After taking lunch at a Palace hotel, return to the Railway Station and board the Palace-On-Wheels, which departs Jodhpur at 15.30 hrs for Sawai Madhopur.
DAY 05 - Sunday - Sawai Madhopur/ Chittaurgarh
The Palace-On-Wheels arrives at the Sawai Madhopur railway station at 04.00 hrs. After taking breakfast 0630 hrs, proceed on a visit to Rajasthan's world-renowned park at Ranthambhore at 0700 hrs. The Ranthambhore National Park has stunning scenery, large tracts of greenery and a network of lakes and rivers that support a host of wildlife. There is every possibility that you can track a tiger in the Park
After visiting the Park, return to the Sawai Madhopur railway station. The train departs for Chittaurgarh at 1100 hrs. You will be served lunch on board at 1300 hrs. After arrival at Chittaurgarh at 1530 hrs, embark on a sightseeing tour of this town synonymous with valor and courage.
Proceed to Udaipur, the City of Lakes of Rajasthan. Overnight onboard.
DAY 06 - Monday - Udaipur
Replete with superbly crafted palaces, temples and havelis, Udaipur is also called the City of Lakes thanks to beautiful lakes dotting the city.
Proceed to the old city, which has remnants of city wall tangling around beautiful Lake Pichola with its bathing ghats and island palaces.
Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola wondering at the awesome view towards Udaipur and pay a visit to the Jagmandir Island Palace, or stroll along the lakeshore to appreciate the spectacular sunset. Explore the magnificent City Palace & Museums. Also take a pedal boat to the garden island on romantic Lake Fateh Sagar.
Return to Chittaurgarh.
DAY 07 - Tuesday - Bharatpur/Agra
Take breakfast on board. The Palace-On-Wheels arrives at Bharatpur at 06.30hrs. Proceed to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the world-renowned bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is the natural habitat for Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other bird species. Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri, a charm9ing, well-preserved 16th-century city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. After experiencing the splendors of the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, proceed towards Agra.
For the visitors Agra hold an immediate and enduring fascination. The reason is obvious. It is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most photographed structures in the world. Visit the monument also described as a teardrop on the cheek of time.
For majority of tourists visiting the highlight of a holiday in Agra is Taj Mahal. But also visit the other attractions, which are not less worth visiting.
Leave for Delhi Cantonment Railway Station in the evening.
DAY 08 - Wednesday - Delhi
Next early morning arrive at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station. Board a train/flight for your onward journey or way back home.
TRAIN DEPARTURES SCHEDULE
Every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station
from September to April
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2005
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2006
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January - 5, 12, 19, 26
February - 2, 9, 16, 23
March - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April - 6, 13, 20, 27
September - 7, 14, 21, 28
October - 5, 12, 19, 26
November - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
December - 7, 14, 21, 28
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January - 4,11,18,25
February - 1,8,15,22
March - 1,8,15,22,29
April - 5,12,19,26
September - 6,13,20,27
October - 4,11,18,25
November - 1,8,15,22,29
December - 6,13,20,27
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